Mardi Gras - Beaumont

Sunday we went to Beaumont's first Mardi Gras to see Baz, Nikki, and the kids throw some beads. I think Al & I were pretty much partied out from the previous day in Port Arthur, so we didn't go to Cajun Invasion day - then again if Wayne Toups had been playing, I might have mustered the energy. Too bad the Neville Brothers cancelled.

Anyway, on to the parade . . . [Click images for larger versions.]




Baz had taken the kids down by the tracks to play until it was time to get on the float. Just throwing rocks into a puddle was entertainment enough.


The Crockett Street Entertainment District, part of Beaumont's downtown redevelopment effort. It's a cool little strip of bars. But as you can see the crowd was very light for this first Mardi Gras.


We sat down to wait for the start.








Bunch of off-road vehicles celebrating "Muddy Gras."




The police officer near us was making sure nobody got hurt - and distributing loot that didn't make it all the way to the crowd.


The krewe of motorized ice chests was advertising a website.


Here they come . . .




Baz points us out for Emmy to throw . . . she got them maybe a yard away from the float. :)




The boys had better luck - we caught their throws. Naturally they were the best beads. :P




Looks like he's throwing her overboard, hehehe.

Well, that was my first Mardi Gras in many years. Can't wait for next year.